Gauteng seeks private partners for infrastructure projects

The Gauteng provincial government has outlined seven key areas where it intends pursuing infrastructural developments in partnership with the private sector under its so-called “transform, modernise and reindustrialise” vision.

Gauteng contributes over R1-trillion to gross domestic product yearly and about 42% to national employment.

Premier David Makhura told JSE-listed companies the province planned to spend R94-billion on infrastructure in the coming three years. He stressed that it would be seeking the financial, technical and human capabilities of business through various public–private partnerships (PPPs).

The seven initiatives under which PPPs could be pursued included:
• The revitalisation of township economies in the province.
• The aerotropolis, which would be anchored in Ekurhuleni.
• An expansion and extension of the Gautrain service.
• New investments in energy, including renewable-energy and waste-to-energy solutions.
• The deployment of broadband infrastructure.
• The creation of an ‘agritropolis’ in Sedibeng.
• And a number of mega human-settlement schemes.
Besides moving to reduce red tape and deal with corruption, the Premier also stressed that Gauteng was “open for business”, as well as to using PPPs to deliver energy, transport and communications infrastructures.

“To position Gauteng as an attractive investment destination we must continue to reduce the cost and ensure ease of doing business.”

By: Terence Creamer

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/gauteng-aims-to-attract-private-partners-into-seven-key-infrastructure-schemes-2015-02-02/rep_id:3182